Thread: Pitting on razors safe for use?

Hi all,

Just wondering if some of you more experienced guys can help this noob out. I just purchased a few razors which have some deep pitting on the blades, though not on the edge. I've tried using Flitz to see how much I could clean up before attempting to take further action.

My question is if I can shave with them if I leave them unrestored, pits and mild staining. Or would there be a problem with hygiene? The pit pockets are in the middle and spine areas of the blades. You can definitely feel them. There is no active rust otherwise. I'm guessing its okay for use? Anyone else have experience with this?

Sorry I don't know how to do pics. Thanks in advance.

Welcome to SRP.

There should not be a problem with pitting. After all, it's just steel. That said, you might find these two articles helpful: Hand sanding a blade - Straight Razor Place Wiki & Sterilization - Straight Razor Place Wiki.

Good luck, and keep us posted on your progress,
Robin

Welcome to SRP! Blades with pitting - if the edge is safe - can be used. My suggestion is: try to clean the blade in the best possible way (I mean: gentle polishing with something like MAAS, that could take even 5-10 hours of work) to avoid the presence of active rust in the deeper part of the pits and then oil the blade to prevent rapid oxidation.

Welcome to SRP!!

I have several razors with deep pitting and use them as much as I use my other razors and have not had a problem. Keep it clean after each use and you will be fine. There are other options to removing the pitting it you are concerned with hygiene. One would be to wipe the razor down with alcohol after each use. Another would be, if three isn't any gold wash on the razor, to dip it or leave it in something like Barbircide. Barbicide® - Products - Barbicide® Disinfectant Liquid

Barbicide will remove gold wash and gold colored plating. Just put the blade into the solution and keep the scales hanging on the outside. It does have adverse effects on some scale material.

Use your razor and enjoy your shaves!!

Thanks for the warm welcome and all the info.

I'd thought it would be safe overall, but wanted to ask just in case there were any horror stories out there. Thanks for the tip on the Barbicide. I'm familiar with it, but never thought to buy any. I usually do use alcohol even on my disposables.

I usually hang out on other knife and sword related forums and have begun to realized this is a whole new ball of wax. Very interested info to be found here. This straight razor bug is a lil dangerous for the wallet. I see something from the classifieds that I want to purchase here everyday!

I'll one day make an attempt to tinker with a straight razor, though they require much more care than restoring a thicker blade. But if I hang here long enough I know I'll be able to do it.

Happy shaving one and all!